Buying a Cheap Logitech C210 Webcam

The Logitech C210 webcam is a great choice for any system that didn't come with such a device. It is inexpensive and it works well right out of the box. Logitech is a company long known for the quality devices that they produce.

Logitech C210 Webcam resolutionTechnical users will note that the Logitech C210 webcam only has 1.3 megapixels while other webcams, even those made by Logitech have much more. You may be tempted to consider the webcam with the highest number of megapixels. This might be a mistake.

Logitech C210 Webcam capabilitiesDepending on what you are going to do with the Logitech C210

, it may have more than enough megapixels for your purposes. In fact, it may even have too many. Each pixel uses up your computer memory when you take pictures with the webcam. At 1.3 megapixels, the Logitech C210 is quite low. This is very good when you want to use your webcam on the Internet. Each frame of your video will require 4 or 5 times less memory than other webcams on the market. While your computer may have lots of memory, where this difference really shows is on the Internet.

Logitech C210 Webcam use on the InternetEach megapixel of the video images broadcast on the Internet requires memory, as stated. This also takes up bandwidth. With the Logitech C210

, 4 images can be broadcast in the time other cameras produce 1. This means that broadcast quality is actually better, despite the lower resolution of this webcam.

Using the Logitech C210 Webcam with YouTube and SkypeWhen you broadcast video on the Internet, you are usually just trying to get your images onto YouTube, or a similar video host, or you use instant video conferencing like Skype. Both of these uses work very well with the Logitech C210 webcam. The standard video viewer on YouTube and Skype is quite small. In the default size, the extra resolution of a 5 or more megapixel webcam is lost. If the video image is blown up to full screen size, the large resolution can help a little. The high resolution cameras will always use more Internet bandwidth, however.

Installing the Logitech C210 WebcamThe Logitech C210 webcam comes with a 5 foot cord that plugs into your computer. It is designed to lightly clip to the top of your monitor. There is not a lot of tension exerted on your monitor so it may become dislodged easily. A review of the user comments for the webcam, however, didn't seem to identify this as a big problem.

Logitech C210 Webcam Does Not Support Mac ComputersCurrently, the Logitech C210 webcam does not come with support for the Mac computers. As this product is now fairly mature, there likely won't be a release of drivers for the Mac ever. There is a general video driver for the Mac called MACAM. It must be considered a custom driver that likely should only be installed by technical Mac users. Most people should purchase a webcam that does come with Mac support.

Logitech C210 Webcam User Review CommentsMost users report that installing the Logitech C210 Webcam is very easy. The only installation issue noted was a conflict with a factory installed webcam on a notebook. If you are buying the Logitech C210 webcam to use instead of a factory unit, you should first disable the original webcam using your computer's device manager.

Many users report that the picture quality of the Logitech C210 Webcam is adequate for most everything that they are trying to do with it. The exception is taking still images. While it can certainly accomplish this task, the picture quality will really show the effects of the low 1.3 megapixel resolution. Since the cost of digital imaging gear is so low, you really can affort to have a Logitech C210 Webcam, a good point and shoot digital camera for still pictures and a portable video camera for important videos.

Software included with the Logitech C210 WebcamThe Webcam includes Logitech VID HD. This software allows you to make video calls to others over the Internet. The application works well but must connect to another VID HD client. Since most people don't have this application, you would have to send them a Logitech component before you can video chat with them. Most people will stick to other communication protocols such as Microsoft or Skype. The Logitech VID HD works so you may want to consider it.

The Logitech C210 Webcam also comes with Magix Video Easy application. This is a reduced version of the code but is free. It lets you video edit scenes out of your videos, add titles to your videos and you can make color and brightness adjustments. This version won't capture new still images from the Logitech C210. Luckily there is separate capture software provided with the webcam to allow you to perform this function. Magix does provide an upgrade so that you can activate video capture and top quality editing capabilities. The "buy now" link from the free Magix software sends you to a web site where you can buy the professional version. Amazon offers the same application for $70 less.

Logitech C210 WebcamIf you are looking for an easy to use webcam for a Windows system that doesn't have one, or to completely replace a substandard unit, the Logitech C210 Webcam may be a good unit to consider. It is quick to install, works as advertised and sends good quality images over the Internet. It isn't the unit if you want to take lots of still pictures from your videos. It works well, though. As 1.3 megapixels, it gets the job done quickly.

Logitech has long been known for producing quality peripheral devices for Windows computers. They offer a wide range of audio and video products. Their prices are very comparable with other manufacturers. Amazon is a great place to buy Logitech items as they are frequently priced below list there. You can also review user reviews specific to your Logitech choice. Amazon ships products in good time and at reasonable rates. Amazon is a great supplier of items these days.